How to Grind Flaxseed

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How to Grind Flaxseed

Overview

Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans that are beneficial to the heart and have many other health benefits for the body. The seeds may pass through the body without being digested properly if eaten whole, and you will not get the full nutritional value of the flax. However, if you grind your flaxseeds you can get more nutrition and a slightly nuttier flavor from your flaxseeds. Your ground flaxseeds can then be sprinkled in yogurt, cereal or used as an egg substitute.

Step 1

Measure out the amount of flaxseed you want to grind up. Measure the amount you need to use for up to one week. If you grind the flaxseeds when you need them, they will be much fresher.

Step 2

Put 1/4 cup of flaxseed into you coffee grinder. Press the button to pulsate the grinder for a few seconds. Repeat the pulsation three or four times.

Step 3

Open the lid and sift the ground flax with a spoon to make sure it is finely ground. If it isn't, repeat grinding the herb through three or four more pulsations.

Step 4

Set aside your ground flax, and continue grinding the remainder of your flaxseed 1/4 cup at a time.

Step 5

Store any unused flaxseed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ground flaxseed will begin to go rancid after about a week.

Things You'll Need

Measuring cup

Flaxseed

Coffee Grinder

Spoon

Container

References

Healing Daily: Flaxseed and Health

Veggie Sensations: Grinding Your Own Flax Seed in a Grain Mill

Keywords:
ground flax seed, flax seed oil, using flax seed

About this Author

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Robin Coe has reported on a variety of subjects for more than 15 years. Coe has worked on environmental health and safety issues in communities across Ohio and Michigan. Coe holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism with a double-major in international politics from Bowling Green State University. She has also received training and experience as a nurse aide.